The Complete Guide To Benalmadena | Spain’s Beach Town

Spain
Written By Lesley Stewart

If you’re planning a holiday in Benalmadena on the sun-soaked Costa del Sol, we’ve just returned from a week of eating delicious seafood, sunbathing, and day tripping. This is everything you need to know about Benalmadena, including the best things to do, and where to stay and eat.

By: Lesley Stewart | February 2025

A bustling holiday town with a charming historic quarter and postcard-perfect sea views, Benalmadena is an ideal beach destination on Spain’s southern coast. One of my favourite towns from our trip, this is a complete guide to visiting Benalmadena.

I’ve visited Southern Spain several times, mostly on road trips to sleepy mountain villages and busy city breaks like Seville with my partner. But this trip was entirely different from anything we’d done before - a relaxing coastal getaway focussing on late summer sunshine, seafood, and stylish beachfront hotels.

We wanted to be within easy reach of Malaga but near the beach, and it had to be affordable. After researching resorts along the coast, we finally settled on Benalmadena.

Was our time there a truly authentic Spanish experience? No, but we didn’t expect it to be (we visited Old Town Malaga for that). Benalmadena is, first and foremost, a beach town, but if you combine sunbathing with day trips, have a go at speaking a bit of Spanish, and end your day at a chiringuito devouring charcoal-roasted fish, you will find a genuinely lovely side to this popular resort.

Whether it’s a one-time destination or fall in love and can’t stop coming back to, for me, it all comes down to how you choose to experience Benalmadena.

We intended to disconnect, relax, and take things easy under the Spanish sun, and we found that and so much more in Benalmadena. In fact, what I loved most about this area is the ability to create the exact type of holiday you want.

For us, that meant a fantastic beach scene, stylish hotels, and easy day trips to historic places like Marbella, Los Alamos, Malaga, Frigiliana, and whitewashed Benalmadena Pueblo.

We stayed for five nights before heading along the coast to Marbella and Nerja, but we could easily have stayed longer. So, here’s what you need to know about Benalmadena: the best things to do, the best beaches, day trips, where to stay, and other useful tips.

Contents

  • Getting to Benalmadena

  • Hotels & holidays

  • Car hire

  • Restaurants

  • Beaches

  • Highlights/things to do

  • Day trips

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Where is Benalmadena?

You’ll find Benalmadena in Southern Spain, in the heart of the popular Costa del Sol.

This coastline is part of the far larger Andalusia region, famous for its spectacular scenery, exceptional food, and historic cities like Malaga. The best way to visit Benalmadena is by flying in, and the town is served by Malaga airport, a mere 10km along the coast - there are regular flights here from most major UK airports.

However, it’s also a good beachy stop on a bigger Southern Spain road trip.

My take? Benalmadena, much like nearby Los Alamos, is a good option if you’re craving some beach time and a break from sightseeing and busy cities.

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Quick Book: My top picks for holidays & hotels in Benalmadena

Travel tip: The best way to explore Southern Spain is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our car rental in Spain, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Hertz, Enterprise, or Sixt. Renting a car in Southern Spain is easy, and collecting your rental car from Malaga Airport is incredibly straightforward. Book your car with Discover Cars here.

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The Best Things to Do in Benalmadena

Let me preface this section by saying that this is a slow, quiet guide to the best things to do in Benalmadena. No big nights out, just a lot of beaches and easy-going activities that everyone can enjoy.

We’re not partiers and choose early morning walks on the beach and slow afternoons with sangria over late nights. But there are certainly livelier places and plenty of nightlife here if you want it.

1. Spend the day at the beach

You’ll be spoilt when choosing where to throw down your beach towel in Benalmadena! Beaches stretch along the coastline for miles, scattered with parasols and loungers, chiringuitos (small beach bars) and refined restaurants.

The town’s main beach is Playa de Bil Bil. Its ease of accessibility makes it super popular with families and groups, and it can be jam-packed during the summer months.

My favourite beach was Playa de Santa Ana, a gently curving stretch of sand around a 10-minute walk along the promenade. This area has heaps of sun loungers, which generally cost around €14 for two people sharing an umbrella.

There are also plenty of free areas, and groups, families, and solo sunbathers find their spot along the sands from early in the morning. Bringing a deck chair and umbrella is a popular way to avoid the fees at the paid loungers, and you’ll find shops selling both for a reasonable price along the beachfront.

No matter which beach you choose, you have an abundance of facilities, such as public toilets, shops, restaurants and bars, just minutes away.

And if you get bored of sunbathing, it’s easy and reasonably affordable to rent pedalos, waterslides, and all manner of water sports along the beach front.

2. Seafood & sangria in a chiringuito

An absolute must when visiting any Southern Spain beach. Chiringuitos are small beach bars serving local beers, sangria, snacks, and often freshly caught sardines and other fish cooked over coals.

These days, many have transformed into proper beachside restaurants that offer a more formal dining experience, and you’ll find both along Benalmadena’s promenade.

Some are better than others, so choose wisely!

My top picks are Saint Tropez Los Mellizos (for a restaurant experience), Chiringuito Rafael (informal beach bar vibes), and South Beach Restobar (highly-rated, casual spot).

3. Stroll Benalmadena Promenade

The Benalmadena promenade is a beautiful beachfront walk along an accessible, marbled walkway that runs from pretty Castillo de El-Bil-Bil (pictured below) to Puerto Marina.

At only 2km, it’s only a short distance from one end to the other, but it provides easy access to the beach and is particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset. It’s also ideal for walkers and runners at cooler times of the day!

If you’d like a longer walk, follow the coastal path to neighbour Torremolinos, where you’ll find beach clubs aplenty. Go a little further still, and you’ll find Los Alamos, a charming beachside spot with some seriously chic beach bars. Walking takes around 50 minutes, but you can return in a taxi or train (a quick 10-minute journey).

Towards the marina, you’ll find a handful of boutique stores selling jewellery, linens, swimwear, and beach bags. It makes for a great stroll in the late afternoon if you’re looking to do a bit of shopping.

Plus, there are plenty of ice cream stops and beach bars for cold drinks!

Good to know / at the end of the promenade, you’ll find steps leading to a marina. We briefly visited the marina, expecting it to be charming and full of lovely boats, but instead found it packed full of drunk holidaymakers; honestly, I thought it was gritty and grimy. So, though this might be a controversial option, unless you’re taking a boat trip, I suggest you avoid the marina entirely and return the way you came.

4. Explore the coast on a Benalmadena boat trip

The most unique way to explore the Sunshine Coast is definitely on a cruise. Benalmadena is the perfect place to take a boat trip, and after hours of research, I have a few options you can’t miss.

Firstly, we chose this dolphin spotting cruise, which delivered big on dolphins and explored the stunning coastline. It also includes a fully-stocked bar, loungers for sunbathing, and shaded seating spaces for relaxing with a cocktail.

The cruise lasts around two hours, so it fits nicely into your day without taking up too much time, and the coastal views are stunning. It’s such good fun that I’d highly recommend including this in your Benalmadena itinerary. You can book it in advance here.

I also liked this Benalmadena to Fuengirola roundtrip ferry that drops you off on market day and picks you up later; timings are really flexible.

Alternatively, Benalmadena offers the opportunity to rent a boat without a license, and this boat rental option was at the top of our list if we had time.

5. Seek Shade in Parque de la Paloma

Parque de la Paloma is a tranquil green space, with trees providing much-needed shade and coolness in summer.

The park isn’t large and is crisscrossed by signposted paths. Grab a coffee or cold drink in the small cafe, relax on one of the park benches, or wander around the lake. We also stumbled across an aviary with parrots and a goat pen, so kids will equally love visiting!

Tucked away behind a cluster of hotels only 10 minutes from the beach, we were surprised by how few people were here when we visited.

6. Indulge in tapas

We’ve already mentioned the seafood restaurants on the beach, but in town, it’s all about Spain’s most famous cuisine - tapas. Small plates, but lots of them: boquerones, croquetas, calamari rings, jamon, and padron peppers, to name a few.

I love tapas and recommend ordering a small feast to share alongside local beer or wine.

My favourite places for traditional tapas in Benalmadena were La Tapería and Taperia La Bodeguita; both authentic and very laidback.

But one of my favourite meals in town was Lime & Lemon, a stylish eatery serving a modern take on tapas. I recommend their oxtail croquettes, mini-burgers, and any of their tacos. Be sure to order a delicious cafe con leche for afters.

7. Ride the Benalmadena cable car

We didn’t get to do this activity, and I was gutted to miss it! The cable car start point is a short journey from the beach, so many holidaymakers don’t know it’s there. Yet the cable car is easily one of Benalmadena's best things to do.

The cable car departs from the modern station in the nearby town Arroyo de la Miel and takes around 15 minutes to climb to the top of Mount Calamorro, Benalmadena’s highest mountain.

At 770m above the coast, the viewpoint at the top is pretty spectacular and provides a bird’s eye view over the entire Costa del Sol. Little white carriages whisk you upwards (and thankfully back down), but at the top, you’ll find a lookout point, a gorgeous open-air terrace restaurant, an outdoor cafe, birds of prey shows, and walking trails.

Return tickets are €22.90 per person, and you can book them in advance here. Definitely don’t do what we did, which was turn up without tickets only to find a massive queue!

Good to know / the departure point in Arroyo de la Miel is a pretty steep uphill journey, and rather than tackle the 30-minute walk in the baking sun, I’d suggest taking the local bus. Single tickets are €1.60, and the journey takes around 15 minutes.

You can also buy a reloadable bus card from post offices and tobacco stores, which offers substantially discounted journeys. The card costs €1.80 and must be loaded with at least €5, but your journey cost will drop to around 50 cents (correct when writing in 2025).

8. Visit Benalmadena Pueblo

Whilst the beachfront is Benalmadena’s biggest draw, the area we loved the most was absolutely Benalmadena Pueblo. This postcard-perfect village is essentially Benalmadena’s old town, tucked away in the mountains.

Packed with history and culture, the whitewashed village is utterly charming. Follow your feet around the narrow streets filled with flower pots and discover pretty plazas, viewpoints, fountains, and museums.

Grab a cold drink and tapas in Plaza de España; there are three bars to choose from, but I suggest La Mar Chica on the corner. And I’d block out 2 hours to see the village as there is much to take in.

To get there, take a local bus (service M-121) from the main road by the beach. The journey takes around 30 minutes, and you’ll want to get off the bus at the bull ring. It’s also good to know that the bus passes by the cable car in Arroyo de la Miel on its journey, so both activities can be easily combined on the same day.

9. Take a day trip from Benalmadena

Day trips from Benalmadena are the perfect way to explore the best of the Costa del Sol and beyond, as it’s well connected by public transport and coach tours to pretty mountain villages, beach towns, and historic cities.

You’ll find a detailed guide in this day trip post, but my favourite options are:

Benalmadena FAQs

Is it worth visiting Benalmadena?

Thanks to the miles of spectacular coastline, stylish hotels, sunny weather, and incredible food scene, Benalmadena is very much worth visiting. The resort town’s location is also perfect for travellers to fly into, with Malaga Airport only a short transfer distance along the coast. If you’re looking for a relaxed beach holiday with sangria, seafood and sunshine, I highly recommend Benalmadena.

But, for something quieter and perhaps prettier, you’ll also love the other coastal resort towns in Southern Spain, like pretty Nerja and Estepona.

Is the town full of Brits?

In all honesty, I’d say no - Benalmadena is not full of Brits. Despite arriving with that notion, I was quickly proven wrong because amongst the multiple nationalities were heaps of Spanish people who visit during holidays and weekends to enjoy the town’s sandy beaches and seafood.

In fact, I’d say most people we overheard on the beach over our weekend were Spanish, most arriving with armfuls of deck chairs, cool boxes, and parasols. It’s a diverse and fun mix of holidaymakers and locals, and, in my opinion, a truly welcoming place.

Is there an Old Town?

For travellers seeking culture, history, and postcard-perfect mountain villages, Benalmadena’s Old Town is a charming spot. It’s located away from the coast, high into the mountains, and you’ll drive (or bus) around 20 minutes to visit. The resort’s historic old town, Benalmadena Pueblo, is a maze of Moorish whitewashed streets, pretty plazas, scenic viewpoints, and several charming outdoor cafes.

What is the best Month to visit Benalmadena?

Honestly, I don’t think there’s a bad month to visit Benalmadena. We stayed in early September, and the weather was utterly gorgeous; the Mediterranean climate still very much in full swing. The beaches were pleasantly busy, but I have heard they can be crowded during summer holidays, so factor that into your planning and avoid July and August if you can.

Although sun-worshippers will absolutely love the big summer months when the mercury often hits 32C.

Summer aside, my favourite time to visit Southern Spain is actually in winter. We’ve also visited the Costa del Sol from December through February, and actually, winter in Benalmadena is truly wonderful. With temperatures on the coast regularly reaching 20 degrees, very little to no rain, and reasonably priced hotels and flights, it’s the perfect place for winter sun.

Much like winter in nearby Malaga, pretty much everything is open, but you won’t need to queue for restaurants or activities.

 

Finally… Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Travel Checklist:

I use these sites and online resources most to book my trips. Booking through the links below is a great way to support Wander Somewhere at no extra cost to you. And if you need help organizing your trip, get my travel itineraries here.

1. Book Your Holiday

I use Jet2 and Expedia to find the best flights, holidays, and packages. They have an incredible inventory of fantastic holidays around the world.

2. Book Your Accommodation

I use Booking.com for hotels, apartments, and B&Bs. They have the largest inventory and consistently offer the best rates and rewards, like complimentary breakfasts and room upgrades.

3. Book Your Rental Car

Driving yourself is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our hire cars, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for a highly-rated company like Hertz, Enterprise, or Sixt.

4. Book Your Tours & Activities

I use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favourite sites to find tours no matter which country I’m visiting, and they have a vast inventory of options, including coach tours, activities, and my favourite, jump-the-queue tickets.

5. Book Airport Lounge Access

I use Priority Pass to access hundreds of VIP lounges worldwide. Having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights, plus snacks and drinks, makes the airport experience so much more relaxing.

6. Book Your Restaurants

Most often, I like to know where I’ll eat and guarantee that it will serve delicious food. I use TripAdvisor to check reviews, plus find highly-rated hidden gems.

7. Buy Your eSIM 

I never leave the country without an Airalo eSIM. They cover many countries, have a range of packages to suit your data usage and guarantee you’ll avoid roaming charges.

Finally, if you have any questions about the destination above, get in touch!

Lesley x

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Lesley Stewart

Lesley is a travel writer, content creator, and blogger who splits her time between her native Scotland and her adopted home, Spain. She specialises in slow travel stories and road trips and is constantly on the hunt for really great places to stay, eat, and visit.

https://www.wandersomewhere.com/
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